Automating your reloading bench is a game-changer for volume shooters. It transforms a meticulous, hands-on process into a smooth, efficient operation. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 isn’t just a press; it’s a complete progressive reloading system designed to maximize output with minimal fuss.
This integrated unit combines a 10-station progressive press with a built-in vibratory bowl case feeder. The goal is clear: streamline the workflow from empty case to finished round. Speaking honestly, a system like this represents a significant step up from a basic turret or single-stage setup, and it’s built for those ready to produce ammunition in serious quantities.
What is the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press?
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 is a purpose-built machine for high-volume reloading. Its core innovation is the 10-station design, which allows for dedicated, automatic stations for each step of the reloading process. This includes priming, powder measuring, bullet feeding, and indexing. The integrated case collator and feeder system is a key part of this automation, designed to keep the press continuously fed with brass.
In my honest opinion, the integration is what sets it apart. Instead of adding a separate case feeder as an accessory to an existing press, the X-10 is engineered from the ground up as a cohesive system. This approach, recommended by , ensures better compatibility and smoother operation between the feeder and the press mechanisms. Its a holistic solution for reloaders looking to minimize manual case handling entirely.
Key Features and Specifications
The X-10 is packed with features aimed at precision, ease of use, and reliability. My honest assessment is that Frankford Arsenal focused on addressing common pain points in progressive reloading. The included powder measure is engineered to minimize spillage, a frequent annoyance that can slow you down and create a mess. Integrated ball bearings throughout the press guarantee that smooth, consistent operation isn’t just a hopeit’s a built-in feature.
User-friendliness shines in the design. Tool head and shell plate changes are described as hassle-free, which is critical when switching calibers. The roller handle activation feels intuitive and reduces operator fatigue during long sessions. Perhaps one of the most practical features is the integrated LED illumination in the tool head. No more struggling with shadows over your dies; the workspace stays brightly lit exactly where you need it.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Press Type | 10-Station Progressive with Integrated Case Feeder |
| Core Design | Automatic stations for measuring, priming, feeding, and indexing |
| Key Engineering | Integrated ball bearings for smooth operation; Includes Powder Measure |
| Illumination | Integrated LED lights in the tool head |
| Usability | Hassle-free tool head/shell plate changes; Roller handle activation |
| Primary Benefit | Complete system for automated, high-volume reloading |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Step-by-Step Setup and Installation
Getting the X-10 up and running is a structured process. Honestly speaking, while it’s more involved than setting up a simple single-stage press, the intuitive design pays off. The press itself is a substantial piece of kit, so securing it to a sturdy bench is the non-negotiable first step. A wobbly foundation will cause issues with priming, powder drop consistency, and case feeding.
The heart of the automation is the vibratory case feeder. Proper tube alignment from the feeder bowl to the feed die is critical. If the tube is even slightly kinked or misaligned, cases will jam. The manual should guide you through attaching the correct caliber-specific feed plate and tubes. For example, getting the Frankford Arsenal case feeder tube size for 9mm correct is essential for reliable feeding. Once assembled, you’ll need to dial in the feed rate.
How to Adjust Frankford Arsenal Case Feeder Speed
The feeder’s vibration motor has a control knob. Start with it on a low setting and gradually increase it until cases feed smoothly into the tube without bouncing or flipping. The ideal speed is the slowest setting that reliably moves cases. Too fast, and they’ll jam; too slow, and the press will outpace the feeder. From my honest perspective, taking 15 minutes to perfectly tune this speed saves hours of frustration later. Its a balance between the bowl’s agitation and the natural fall of the cases into the track.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Solutions
Even a well-designed system can have hiccups. Being prepared to troubleshoot is part of owning any complex tool. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.A frequent complaint you might see in a Frankford Arsenal case feeder review is cases getting stuck. Often, this points back to setup.
Case Feeder Not Working or Jamming
If cases aren’t feeding, check these points first:
- Alignment: Re-check the case feeder alignment of the entire drop tube. It must be perfectly vertical and centered over the feed die.
- Debris: A small piece of tumbling media or a fleck of brass in the feed track or die will stop everything.
- Speed: Revisit the vibration speed. Environmental factors like humidity or static can affect how cases move in the bowl, requiring a slight adjustment.
Case Feeder Tube Replacement and Motor Concerns
Tubes can wear or become damaged. Knowing where to buy replacement parts for Frankford Arsenal case feeder is wise. Frankford Arsenal’s customer service or authorized retailers are the best sources to ensure compatibility. If the case feeder motor itself fails or becomes inconsistent, it’s typically a matter of contacting support for a replacement under warranty. Documenting any case feeder problems with photos or video can expedite the service process.
To be completely honest, most case feeder not working scenarios are solved with a thorough cleaning and re-alignment. A maintenance schedulelike a quick brush-out of the bowl and track every 500 roundsprevents the vast majority of issues.
Compatibility and Performance Review
Integration as a Complete System
The X-10s greatest strength is its design philosophy. Its not a press with a feeder bolted on; its a unified reloading automation platform. This integration shows in the synchronized operation. The case feeder is timed with the press’s index cycle, which should theoretically reduce jams compared to a retrofit system. The performance is built around consistency and reducing manual intervention to just pulling the handle and adding bullets.
My honest take is that for someone investing in a dedicated progressive system, this integration is a major advantage over piecing together a press and separate accessories. The vibratory case feeder and collator are matched to the press’s speed and rhythm.
Frankford Arsenal Case Feeder vs Hornady Case Feeder
This is a natural comparison for reloaders. The Hornady case feeder is a renowned progressive press accessory often paired with their Lock-N-Load AP press. The key difference here is that the Hornady feeder is a modular add-on for a specific press line, while the Frankford Arsenal feeder is an integral component of the X-10 system. A comparison often hinges on whether you want a complete factory system (X-10) or prefer to automate an existing press you already own and trust.
Noise level is a practical consideration often missing from competitor reviews. The X-10’s vibratory feeder will produce a constant hum during operation. It’s not excessively loud, but it’s present. In a home workshop, this is worth noting, especially for extended sessions.
Reliability and Warranty
Frankford Arsenal stands behind their Platinum Series tools with a warranty. I honestly believe warranty information and process is crucial before a major purchase. Register your product, keep your receipt, and know how to contact their customer service. The reliability of the case feeder motor and the precision bearings in the press head are key to long-term satisfaction. For deeper dives into user experiences and advanced tuning, communities on Reddit’s reloading forum or specialized boards like Cast Boolits are invaluable resources.
The X-10 represents a significant value proposition in the high-end progressive press market. It bundles features often found on more expensive setups. For the reloader ready to move into serious production, it eliminates the guesswork of compatibility and offers a streamlined path to automated loading. The built-in lighting, the included powder measure, and the focus on smooth operation address real-world needs directly at the press.
It demands a proper setup and a commitment to learning its rhythms. But once dialed in, its a powerhouse designed to turn your reloading sessions into a model of efficiency. Your time is better spent shooting than loading, and the X-10 system is engineered with that exact principle in mind.